Fuel cell system

ABSTRACT

A casing of a fuel cell system is divided into a first fluid supply section, a second fluid supply section, a module section, and an electrical equipment section. A water supply apparatus, a fuel gas supply apparatus, and a detector are provided in the first fluid supply section. An oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus is provided in the second fluid supply section. A fuel cell module and a combustor are provided in the module section. A power converter and a control device are provided in the electrical equipment section. The module section is interposed between the first fluid supply section and the electrical equipment section. The second fluid supply section is disposed on the lower surface of the module section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a fuelcell module, a combustor, a fuel gas supply apparatus, anoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, a water supply apparatus, apower converter, a control device, and a casing containing the fuel cellmodule, the combustor, the fuel gas supply apparatus, theoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, the water supply apparatus, thepower converter, and the control device.

BACKGROUND ART

Typically, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) employs a solid electrolyte ofion-conductive solid oxide such as stabilized zirconia. The electrolyteis interposed between an anode and a cathode to form an electrolyteelectrode assembly (MEA). The electrolyte electrode assembly isinterposed between separators (bipolar plates). In use, normally,predetermined numbers of the electrolyte electrode assemblies and theseparators are stacked together to form a fuel cell stack.

As the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell, normally, a hydrogen gasgenerated from hydrocarbon raw material by a reformer is used. Ingeneral, in the reformer, a reformed raw material gas is obtained fromhydrocarbon raw material of a fossil fuel or the like, such as methaneor LNG, and the reformed raw material gas undergoes steam reforming,partial oxidation reforming, or autothermal reforming to produce areformed gas (fuel gas).

In this regard, a fuel cell system (fuel cell power supply apparatus)having a single unit case containing a fuel cell, a reformer, a powerconverter for converting direct power electrical energy generated in thefuel cell according to a power supply output specification, a controldevice, and auxiliary devices is known.

For example, in a fuel cell power supply apparatus disclosed in JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-297409, as shown in FIG. 23,lateral bars 1001 a, 1001 b are provided in a frame 1001 of the unitcase to divide the space in the frame 1001 into three stages. A reformer1002 is provided on the lateral bar 1001 a in the upper stage, and acontrol device 1003 and a fuel cell 1004 are provided on the lateral bar1001 b in the middle stage such that back sides of the control device1003 and the fuel cell 1004 face each other. Heat insulating material1003 a is provided on the back surface of the control device 1003, andheat insulating material 1003 b is provided around the control device1003 to protect the control device 1003 from the ambient hotenvironment.

Auxiliary devices such as a fuel pump 1005 for supplying a raw fuel to areformer 1002 and an air pump 1006 a for supplying an air as a reactantgas to the fuel cell 1004 are provided on the bottom plate of the frame1001. An air pump 1006 b for a reformer burner is provided on anauxiliary rack 1001 c at an upper position of the frame 1001, and a PGburner 1007 is provided in front of the air pump 1006 b for the reformerburner. A power converter 1008 is provided on a side of the fuel cell1004 on the floor of the frame 1001.

Further, for example, in a fuel cell apparatus disclosed in JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-140164, as shown in FIG. 24, apackage 1011 is provided, and a purifier 1012, an ion exchanger 1013,and a desulfurizer 1014 are provided adjacent to a front panel 1015serving as an outer panel of the package 1011. The purifier 1012, theion exchanger 1013, and desulfurizer 1014 are components that requiremaintenance.

Thus, the components that require maintenance are not provided insidethe package 1011, but provided adjacent to the front panel 1015 servingas the outer profile of the apparatus body. According to the disclosure,in the structure, maintenance of the components that requiresreplacement, regeneration or the like for continuing operation of thefuel cell apparatus can be carried out easily.

In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-297409, the controldevice 1003 and the fuel cell 1004 are provided on the lateral bar 1001b in the middle stage of the frame 1001 such that the back sides of thecontrol device 1003 and the fuel cell 1004 face each other. The controldevice 1003 should be used at relatively low temperature. However, thetemperature of the fuel cell 1004 is raised by power generation. Inparticular, in the case where a high temperature fuel cell (such as asolid oxide fuel cell or a molten carbonate fuel cell) or a mediumtemperature fuel cell (such as a phosphoric acid fuel cell and ahydrogen membrane fuel cell) is used, the control device 1003 may beaffected by heat depending on the heat insulating materials 1003 a, 1003b.

Further, in the system of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2006-140164, the operating temperature range and functions of therespective devices are not considered in the layout. Therefore, inparticular, in the case where a high temperature fuel cell (such as asolid oxide fuel cell or a molten carbonate fuel cell) or a mediumtemperature fuel cell (such as a phosphoric acid fuel cell and ahydrogen membrane fuel cell) is used, the low temperature section whichshould be maintained at low temperature tends to be affected bydiffusion of heat and fluid. Further, the desired maintenanceperformance cannot be achieved.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made to solve the problem of this type,and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell systemin which respective devices are disposed depending on the operatingtemperature range and the function in order to minimize diffusion ofheat and fluid and prevent, as much as possible, heat influence on thedevices that are used at relatively low temperature, and which iscapable of being placed along the wall suitably, being stably disposed,and ensuring ease of maintenance.

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a fuelcell module for generating electrical energy by electrochemicalreactions of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, a combustor forraising temperature of the fuel cell module, a fuel gas supply apparatusfor supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell module, an oxygen-containinggas supply apparatus for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuelcell module, a water supply apparatus for supplying water to the fuelcell module, a power converter for converting direct current electricalenergy generated in the fuel cell module to electrical energy accordingto requirements specification, a control device for controlling theamount of electrical energy generated in the fuel cell module, and acasing containing the fuel cell module, the combustor, the fuel gassupply apparatus, the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, the watersupply apparatus, the power converter, and the control device.

The casing is divided into a module section where the fuel cell moduleand the combustor are disposed, a first fluid supply section where thefuel gas supply apparatus, and the water supply apparatus are disposed,a second fluid supply section where the oxygen-containing gas supplyapparatus is disposed, and an electrical equipment section where thepower converter and the control device are disposed. The module sectionis interposed between the first fluid supply section and the electricalequipment section, and the second fluid supply section is disposed onthe lower surface of the module section.

According to the present invention, the space in the casing is dividedinto the module section containing therein the fuel cell module and thecombustor, the first fluid supply section containing therein the fuelgas supply apparatus and the water supply apparatus, the second fluidsupply section containing therein the oxygen-containing gas supplyapparatus, and the electrical equipment section containing therein thepower converter and the control device. In the structure, the space inthe casing is divided depending on the operating temperature andfunction to minimize diffusion of heat and fluid. In terms offunctionality, the optimum layout is achieved advantageously.

Further, the fluid supply section is divided into the first fluid supplysection in which the fuel gas supply apparatus is disposed and thesecond fluid supply section in which the oxygen-containing gas supplyapparatus is disposed. Thus, even if fuel gas leaks from the fuel gassupply apparatus, the fuel gas is prevented from being inhaled into theoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus.

Further, the first fluid supply section is disposed on one side surfaceof the module section. In the structure, the first fluid supply sectionforms an outer wall of the casing. Cooling of the first fluid supplysection is facilitated, and the first fluid supply section does notbecome hot easily. Likewise, the electrical equipment section isdisposed on the other side surface of the module section. Therefore, theelectrical equipment section forms an outer wall of the casing. Coolingof the electrical equipment section is facilitated, and the electricalequipment section does not become hot easily.

Further, the second fluid supply section is disposed on the lowersurface of the module section. Thus, the second fluid supply sectionforms part of the lower wall of the casing. Accordingly, cooling of thesecond fluid supply section is facilitated, and the second fluid supplysection does not become hot easily.

Accordingly, heat influence on the devices that should be used atrelatively low temperature, such as the first and second fluid supplysections containing pumps and the electrical equipment sectioncontaining the control device is prevented as much as possible. Thefunctions of the components are maintained, and the components areoperated reliably.

In this case, the second fluid supply section forms part of the lowerwall of the casing, and the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatushaving a large volume and a large weight is disposed in the lower partof the fuel cell system. Thus, the position of the center of gravity ofthe entire fuel cell system can be lowered, and the entire fuel cellsystem is installed more stably.

Further, the module section is interposed between the first fluid supplysection and the electrical equipment section. Thus, the casing iselongated laterally in the direction in which the first fluid supplysection, the module section, and the electrical equipment section arearranged. The dimension in the depth direction intersecting the lateraldirection is reduced efficiently. The casing is suitably placed alongthe wall.

Further, since the first fluid supply section, the module section, andthe electrical equipment section are arranged in the lateral direction,the respective components can be accessed from the front side forcarrying out maintenance operation. Accordingly, the maintenanceoperation can be carried out easily.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which preferredembodiments of the present invention are shown by way of illustrativeexample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing main components of a fuel cellmodule of the fuel cell system;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state where the fuel cell system isprovided in a recess of a wall;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell systemaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell systemaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an operating state of the fuel cellsystem;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell systemaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell systemaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 14 is a front view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view showing main components of a fuel cellmodule of the fuel cell system;

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a state where the fuel cell system isprovided in a recess of a wall;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell systemaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 20 is a front view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell system according to aseventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a front view showing the fuel cell system;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell powersupply apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2003-297409; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cellapparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2006-140164.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A fuel cell system 10 according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention is used in various applications, including stationary andmobile applications. For example, the fuel cell system 10 is mounted ona vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the fuel cell system 10 includes afuel cell module 12 for generating electrical energy in power generationby electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas (hydrogen gas) and anoxygen-containing gas (air), a combustor 14 for raising the temperatureof the fuel cell module 12, a fuel gas supply apparatus (including afuel gas pump) 16 for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell module 12,an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus (including an air pump) 18 forsupplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module 12, a watersupply apparatus (including a water pump) 20 for supplying water to thefuel cell module 12, a power converter 22 for converting the directcurrent electrical energy generated in the fuel cell module 12 toelectrical energy according to the requirements specification, and acontrol device 24 for controlling the amount of electrical energygenerated in the fuel cell module 12. The fuel cell module 12, thecombustor 14, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16, the oxygen-containinggas supply apparatus 18, the water supply apparatus 20, the powerconverter 22, and the control device 24 are disposed in a single casing26.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel cell module 12 includes a fuel cell stack34 formed by stacking a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells 32 in avertical direction. The fuel cells 32 are formed by stacking electrolyteelectrode assemblies 28 and separators 30. Though not shown, each of theelectrolyte electrode assemblies 28 includes a cathode, an anode, and asolid electrolyte (solid oxide) interposed between the cathode and theanode. For example, the electrolyte is made of ion-conductive solidoxide such as stabilized zirconia.

As shown in FIG. 3, at an upper end of the fuel cell stack 34 in thestacking direction, a heat exchanger 36 for heating theoxygen-containing gas before the oxygen-containing gas is supplied tothe fuel cell stack 34, an evaporator 38 for evaporating water toproduce a mixed fuel of a raw fuel (e.g., city gas) chiefly containinghydrocarbon and water vapor, and a reformer 40 for reforming the mixedfuel to produce a reformed gas are provided.

At a lower end of the fuel cell stack 34 in the stacking direction, aload applying mechanism 42 for applying a tightening load to the fuelcells 32 of the fuel cell stack 34 in the stacking direction indicatedby the arrow A is provided (see FIG. 4).

The reformer 40 is a preliminary reformer for reforming higherhydrocarbon (C₂₊) such as ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈), and butane(C₄H₁₀) contained in the city gas, into raw fuel gas chiefly containingmethane (CH₄), by steam reforming. The operating temperature of thereformer 40 is several hundred ° C.

The operating temperature of the fuel cell 32 is high, at severalhundred ° C. In the electrolyte electrode assembly 28, methane in thefuel gas is reformed to obtain hydrogen, and the hydrogen is supplied tothe anode.

As shown in FIG. 5, the heat exchanger 36 has a first exhaust gaschannel 44 serving as a passage of a consumed reactant gas dischargedfrom the fuel cell stack 34 (hereinafter also referred to as the exhaustgas or the combustion exhaust gas) and an air channel 46 serving as apassage of the air for allowing the air serving as a heated fluid andthe exhaust gas to flow in a counterflow manner. The first exhaust gaschannel 44 is connected to a second exhaust gas channel 48 for supplyingthe exhaust gas to the evaporator 38 as a heat source for evaporatingwater. The first exhaust gas channel 44 is connected to an exhaust gaspipe 50. The upstream side of the air channel 46 is connected to an airsupply pipe 52, and the downstream side of the air channel 46 isconnected to an oxygen-containing gas supply passage 53 of the fuel cellstack 34.

The evaporator 38 has a dual pipe structure including an outer pipemember 54 a and an inner pipe member 54b which are coaxially arranged.The dual pipe is provided in the second exhaust gas channel 48. A rawfuel channel 56 is formed between the outer pipe member 54 a and theinner pipe member 54 b. Further, a water channel 58 is formed in theinner pipe member 54 b. The second exhaust gas channel 48 of theevaporator 38 is connected to a main exhaust pipe 60. The outer pipemember 54 a is connected to a mixed fuel supply pipe 62 coupled to aninlet of the reformer 40. One end of a reformed gas supply channel 64 iscoupled to an outlet of the reformer 40, and the other end of thereformed gas supply channel 64 is connected to the fuel gas supplypassage 66 of the fuel cell stack 34. The fuel cell module 12 and thecombustor 14 are surrounded by heat insulating material 68 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 is connected to theraw fuel channel 56. A raw fuel branch channel 72 is connected to aposition in midstream of the raw fuel channel 56 through a switchingvalve 70. The raw fuel branch channel 72 is connected to the combustor14.

The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 is connected to the airsupply pipe 52, and the air branch channel 76 is connected to aswitching valve 74 provided at a position in midstream of the air supplypipe 52. The air branch channel 76 is connected to the combustor 14. Forexample, the combustor 14 has a burner, and as described above, the rawfuel and the air are supplied to the combustor 14. Instead of theburner, other means (e.g., electric heater) may be adopted. In thiscase, the raw fuel, the air, and electricity should be suppliedselectively as necessary.

The water channel 58 is connected to the water supply apparatus 20. Thefuel gas supply apparatus 16, the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus18, and the water supply apparatus 20 are controlled by the controldevice 24. A detector 78 for detecting the fuel gas is electricallyconnected to the control device 24. For example, a commercial powersource 80 (or other components such as a load or a secondary battery) isconnected to the power converter 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the casing 26 includes an outer frame 82having a rectangular shape elongated in a direction indicated by anarrow B as a whole. In the outer frame 82, a first vertical partitionplate 84 and a second vertical partition plate 86 are provided atpredetermined intervals. The space in the casing 26 is dividedhorizontally (in the direction indicated by the arrow B) into a firstfluid supply section 88 a, a module section 90, and an electricalequipment section 92 by the first vertical partition plate 84 and thesecond vertical partition plate 86. The module section 90 is interposedbetween the first fluid supply section 88 a and the electrical equipmentsection 92. A second fluid supply section 88 b is disposed on the lowersurface of the module section 90 with a lateral partition plate 94interposed therebetween.

The first fluid supply section 88 a contains therein the water supplyapparatus 20, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 and the detector 78. Thewater supply apparatus 20 is disposed in the lowest part of the firstfluid supply section 88 a, while the detector 78 is disposed above thefuel gas supply apparatus 16. The fuel gas supply apparatus 16 issupported on a table 96 in the first fluid supply section 88 a. Thesecond fluid supply section 88 b contains therein the oxygen-containinggas supply apparatus 18.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14are placed in the module section 90. The fuel cell module 12 is providedabove the combustor 14. The fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 areplaced in the heat insulating material 68. The power converter 22 andthe control device 24 are provided in the electrical equipment section92.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 26 is elongated in a direction inwhich the first fluid supply section 88 a, the module section 90, andthe electrical equipment section 92 are arranged, i.e., in a lateraldirection indicated by the arrow B. The casing has a small dimension ina depth direction intersecting the lateral direction, i.e., in adirection indicated by an arrow C, and the back surface of the casing 26in the depth direction is provided along a wall 102.

Open/close doors (door members) 104 a, 104 b, 104 c are attached to thefront side of the casing 26 through hinges 106. The door 104 a isopenable and closable with respect to the first fluid supply section 88a, the door 104 b is openable and closable with respect to the modulesection 90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b, and the door 104 cis openable and closable with respect to the electrical equipmentsection 92.

On opposite sides of the casing 26 in the lateral direction, open/closedoors (door members) 104 d, 104 e are mounted through hinges 106 foropening and closing the first fluid supply section 88 a and theelectrical equipment section 92, respectively. Instead of the open/closedoors 104 a to 104 e, panels or the like may be used. For example, thecasing 26 has guide members such as a pair of slide rails 108 a, 108 b,and the casing 26 are movable back and forth in the direction indicatedby the arrow C through the slide rails 108 a, 108 b.

Operation of the fuel cell system 10 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, by operation of the fuel gas supply apparatus 16,for example, a raw fuel such as the city gas (including CH₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₈,C₄H₁₀) is supplied to the raw fuel channel 56. Further, by operation ofthe water supply apparatus 20, water is supplied to the water channel58, and the oxygen-containing gas such as the air is supplied to the airsupply pipe 52 through the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the evaporator 38, the raw fuel flowing throughthe raw fuel channel 56 is mixed with the water vapor, and a mixed fuelis obtained. The mixed fuel is supplied to the inlet of the reformer 40through the mixed fuel supply pipe 62. The mixed fuel undergoes steamreforming in the reformer 40. Thus, hydrocarbon of C₂₊ is removed(reformed), and a reformed gas (fuel gas) chiefly containing methane isobtained. The reformed gas flows through the reformed gas supply channel64 connected to the outlet of the reformer 40, and the reformed gas issupplied to the fuel gas supply passage 66 of the fuel cell stack 34.Thus, the methane in the reformed gas is reformed, and hydrogen gas isobtained. The fuel gas chiefly containing the hydrogen gas is suppliedto the anodes (not shown).

The air supplied from the air supply pipe 52 to the heat exchanger 36moves along the air channel 46 in the heat exchanger 36, and is heatedto a predetermined temperature by heat exchange with the exhaust gas (tobe described later) moving along the first exhaust gas channel 44. Theair heated by the heat exchanger 36 is supplied to the oxygen-containinggas supply passage 53 of the fuel cell stack 34, and the air is suppliedto the cathodes (not shown).

Thus, in each of the electrolyte electrode assemblies 28, byelectrochemical reactions of the fuel gas and the air, power generationis performed. The hot exhaust gas (several hundred ° C.) discharged tothe outer circumferential region of each of the electrolyte electrodeassemblies 28 flows through the first exhaust gas channel 44 of the heatexchanger 36, and heat exchange with the air is carried out. The air isheated to a predetermined temperature, and the temperature of theexhaust gas is decreased.

When the exhaust gas moves along the second exhaust gas channel 48, thewater passing through the water channel 58 is evaporated. After theexhaust gas passes through the evaporator 38, the exhaust gas isdischarged to the outside through the main exhaust pipe 60.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the modulesection 90 formed by dividing the space in the casing 26 in thehorizontal direction, the fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 areprovided. The fuel cell module 12 is provided above the combustor 14.

In the structure, the heat (several hundred ° C.) generated by operationof the combustor 14 convects upwardly and is reliably supplied to anarea around the fuel cell module 12 which is disposed above thecombustor 14. Thus, the temperature of the fuel cell module 12 issuitably raised in a short period of time by the heat convectingupwardly from the combustor 14. Accordingly, improvement in theperformance of starting operation of the fuel cell system 10 is achievedadvantageously.

Further, in the first embodiment, the space in the casing 26 is dividedinto the first fluid supply section 88 a, the module section 90, thesecond fluid supply section 88 b and the electrical equipment section92. Then, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16, and the water supplyapparatus 20 are provided in the first fluid supply section 88 a. Thefuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are provided in the modulesection 90. The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 is provided inthe second fluid supply section 88 b. The power converter 22 and thecontrol device 24 are provided in the electrical equipment section 92.

Thus, the space in the casing 26 is divided into the first fluid supplysection 88 a, the second fluid supply section 88 b, the module section90, and the electrical equipment section 92 depending on the operatingtemperature and the function. In the structure, diffusion of heat andfluid is minimized. In terms of functionality, the module section 90,the first and second fluid supply sections 88 a, 88 b, and theelectrical equipment section 92 are arranged suitably.

Additionally, the fluid supply section is divided into the first fluidsupply section 88 a in which the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 isdisposed and the second fluid supply section 88 b in which theoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 is disposed. Thus, even iffuel gas leaks from the fuel gas supply apparatus 16, the fuel gas isprevented from being inhaled into the oxygen-containing gas supplyapparatus 18.

Further, since the first fluid supply section 88 a forms part of theouter wall of the casing 26, cooling of the first fluid supply section88 a is facilitated, and the first fluid supply section 88 a does notbecome hot easily. Likewise, since the electrical equipment section 92forms part of the outer wall of the casing 26, cooling of the electricalequipment section 92 is facilitated, and the electrical equipmentsection 92 does not become hot easily. Also, the second fluid supplysection 88 b is disposed on the lower surface of the module section 90.Thus, since the second fluid supply section 88 b forms a lower wall ofthe casing 26, cooling of the second fluid supply section 88 b isfacilitated, and the second fluid supply section 88 b does not becomehot easily.

The temperatures of the electrical equipment section 92 containing thecontrol device 24 and the first and second fluid supply sections 88 a,88 b containing the pumps need to be maintained at low temperature(around 40° C.). Thus, functions of the components in the electricalequipment section 92 and the first and second fluid supply sections 88a, 88 b are maintained suitably, and the components are operatedreliably.

In this case, the second fluid supply section 88 b forms a lower wall ofthe casing 26. The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 having alarge volume and a large weight is disposed in the lower part of thefuel cell system 10. Thus, since the position of the center of gravityof the entire fuel cell system 10 can be lowered, the entire fuel cellsystem 10 is installed more stably.

Further, in the module section 90 having high temperature, for example,considerably thick heat insulating material 68 may be provided aroundthe fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 to suppress the heatinfluence to the outside.

Further, in the casing 26, the first fluid supply section 88 a, themodule section 90, and the electrical equipment section 92 are arrangedin the direction indicated by the arrow B. In the structure, the casing26 is elongated in the lateral direction indicated by the arrow B, andshortened in the depth direction indicated by the arrow C. The casing 26can be placed along the wall 102 suitably and efficiently.

Further, since the first fluid supply section 88 a, the module section90, and the electrical equipment section 92 are arranged in the lateraldirection, components in the casing 26 can be accessed from the frontside for maintenance purpose. Accordingly, the maintenance can becarried out easily.

In particular, on the front side of the casing 26, the door 104 a forthe first fluid supply section 88 a, the door 104 b for the modulesection 90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b, and the door 104 cfor the electrical equipment section 92 are provided. Therefore, byopening and closing the doors 104 a, 104 b, 104 c as necessary,maintenance operation can be performed easily and reliably for each ofthe first fluid supply section 88 a, the second fluid supply section 88b, the module section 90, and the electrical equipment section 92.

Further, the casing 26 has one pair of slide rails 108 a, 108 b forallowing the casing 26 to move back and forth in the direction indicatedby the arrow C. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, when the casing 26 is placedin the recess 102 a of the wall, simply by drawing the casing 26 in thedirection indicated by the arrow C1 through the slide rails 108 a, 108b, it becomes possible to open and close the doors 104 d, 104 e providedon both side surfaces of the casing 26. Therefore, the maintenanceoperation for the first fluid supply section 88 a and the electricalequipment section 92 can be carried out easily, and the casing 26 can beplaced along the wall suitably.

Further, in the first embodiment, the water supply apparatus 20 isprovided at the bottom of the first fluid supply section 88 a.Therefore, for example, even if water leakage occurs in the water supplyapparatus 20, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 does not get wet.

Further, the detector 78 is provided at the top of the first fluidsupply section 88 a. In the structure, even if leakage of the fuel gasfrom the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 occurs, it is possible to swiftlyand reliably detect the gas leakage by the detector 78.

Further, in the casing 26, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 is disposedabove the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18. Theoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 has the air pump, and the fuelgas supply apparatus 16 has the fuel gas pump. In particular, in thefuel cell system 10 having a large A/F ratio, the air pump has a largevolume and a large weight in comparison with the fuel gas pump.

Therefore, by disposing the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18below the fuel gas supply apparatus 16, these components can be placedstably. Further, even if leakage of the fuel gas from the fuel gassupply apparatus 16 occurs, the fuel gas is prevented from being inhaledinto the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18.

Further, the space in the casing 26 is divided into the first fluidsupply section 88 a, the module section 90, and the electrical equipmentsection 92 by the first vertical partition plate 84 and the secondvertical partition plate 86, and is also divided into the module section90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b by the lateral partitionplate 94. The fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are disposed inthe module section 90. The detector 78, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16and the water supply apparatus 20 are disposed in the first fluid supplysection 88 a. The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 is disposedin the second fluid supply section 88 b. The power converter 22 and thecontrol device 24 are disposed in the electrical equipment section 92.

Thus, the space in the casing 26 is divided into the module section 90,the first fluid supply section 88 a, the second fluid supply section 88b, and the electrical equipment section 92 depending on the operatingtemperature and function. Accordingly, diffusion of heat and fluid isminimized, and in terms of functionality, the components of the fuelcell system are arranged suitably.

Further, the fuel cell module 12 is particularly advantageous when it isa solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module used for a high temperature fuelcell system. However, instead of the solid oxide fuel cell module, thepresent invention is also suitably applicable to the other types of hightemperature fuel cell modules and medium temperature fuel cell modules.For example, molten-carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), phosphoric acid fuelcells (PAFC), hydrogen membrane fuel cells (HMFC), and the like can beadopted suitably.

Further, in the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 36, the evaporator38, and the reformer 40 are disposed above the fuel cell stack 34, andthe combustor 14 is disposed below the fuel cell stack 34. In thestructure, the heat from the combustor 14 tends to be concentrated inthe fuel cell stack 34, and the time for raising the temperature of thefuel cell stack 34 is shortened advantageously. Accordingly, improvementin the performance in starting operation of the fuel cell stack 34 isachieved.

In the first embodiment, the three doors 104 a to 104 c are provided onthe front surface of the casing 26, corresponding to the first fluidsupply section 88 a, the module section 90, the second fluid supplysection 88 b, and the electrical equipment section 92. However, thepresent invention is not limited in this respect. For example, fourdoors, two doors or one door may be adopted.

Further, although the pair of slide rails 108 a, 108 b are used as guidemembers, the present invention is not limited in this respect. Forexample, various members such as movable plates may be adopted.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system120 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Theconstituent elements that are identical to those of the fuel cell system10 according to the first embodiment are labeled with the same referencenumeral, and description thereof will be omitted. Further, also in athird embodiment as described later, the constituent elements that areidentical to those of the fuel cell system 10 according to the firstembodiment are labeled with the same reference numeral, and descriptionthereof will be omitted.

The fuel cell system 120 includes a casing 122 having a plurality ofwheels 124 at the bottom of the casing 122. Therefore, in the secondembodiment, the casing 122 is movable in various directions arbitrarilyand easily by the wheels 124. Thus, the first fluid supply section 88 a,the second fluid supply section 88 b, the module section 90, and theelectrical equipment section 92 can be positioned easily at a positionwhere operation by the operator can be performed smoothly, so that theoperator can perform various operations easily.

In the second embodiment, although only the wheels 124 are provided,both of the wheels 124 and the slide rails 108 a, 108 b may be used incombination.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system130 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing anoperating state of the fuel cell system 130.

The fuel cell system 130 includes a casing 132 having a first case unit132 a, a second case unit 132 b, and a third case unit 132 c separately.The first fluid supply section 88 a is formed in the first case unit 132a, the module section 90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b areformed in the second case unit 132 b, and the electrical equipmentsection 92 is formed in the third case unit 132 c.

The first case unit 132 a is movable back and forth in the directionindicated by the arrow C along a slide rail 134 a. The second case unit132 b is movable back and forth in the direction indicated by the arrowC along a slide rail 134 b. The third case unit 132 c is movable backand forth in the direction indicated by the arrow C along a slide rail134 c. The first case unit 132 a, the second case unit 132 b, and thethird case unit 132 c can be fixed together by a stopper mechanism (notshown).

In the third embodiment, for example, when maintenance operation of themodule section 90 or the second fluid supply section 88 b is performed,as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, only the second case unit 132 b is moved inthe direction indicated by the arrow C. In the structure, maintenanceoperation of the module section 90 or the second fluid supply section 88b is carried out further easily and reliably.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system140 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11is a front view showing the fuel cell system 140.

The fuel cell system 140 includes a casing 142 having guide members suchas rack members 144, 146, and 148 for allowing the first fluid supplysection 88 a, the module section 90 and the second fluid supply section88 b, and the electrical equipment section 92 to move back and forth,relative to an outer frame 82 in the direction indicated by the arrow C.The first fluid supply section 88 a is fixed to the rack member 144, themodule section 90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b are fixed tothe rack member 146, and the electrical equipment section 92 is fixed tothe rack member 148.

In the fourth embodiment, for example, when maintenance operation of themodule section 90 or the second fluid supply section 88 b is performed,as shown in FIG. 10, the rack member 146 is moved from the outer frame82 in the direction indicated by the arrow C. In the structure,maintenance operation of the module section 90 or the second fluidsupply section 88 b is carried out further easily and reliably.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system150 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 isa plan view showing the fuel cell system 150. FIG. 14 is a front viewshowing the fuel cell system 150.

The fuel cell system 150 has a fuel cell module 152. In the fuel cellmodule 152, the heat exchanger 36, the evaporator 38, and the reformer40 are provided at the lower end side in the stacking direction of thefuel cell stack 34 (see FIGS. 15 and 16). A load applying mechanism 42is provided at the upper end side in the stacking direction of the fuelcell stack 34 (see FIG. 15).

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the space in thecasing 26 is divided horizontally to form the module section 90, and thefuel cell module 152 and the combustor 14 are provided in the modulesection 90. The combustor 14 is disposed above the fuel cell module 152.

In the structure, heat (several hundred ° C.) generated by operation ofthe combustor 14 is supplied to the desired position of the fuel cellmodule 152, i.e., the fuel cell stack 34. Thus, the temperature of thefuel cell stack 34 is raised.

Further, the other portions of the fuel cell module 152 functioning atrelatively low temperature, i.e., the heat exchanger 36, the evaporator38, and the reformer 40 are not exposed to the heat from the combustor14 more than necessary. It is because the heat exchanger 36, theevaporator 38, and the reformer 40 are disposed below the fuel cellstack 34. Accordingly, improvement in the product life and durability ofthe heat exchanger 36, the evaporator 38, the reformer 40 and piping isachieved advantageously.

In the fifth embodiment, the same advantages as in the case of the firstembodiment are obtained. Specifically, the space in the casing 26 isdivided into the first fluid supply section 88 a, the module section 90,the second fluid supply section 88 b, and the electrical equipmentsection 92. The fuel gas supply apparatus 16 and the water supplyapparatus 20 are disposed in the first fluid supply section 88 a. Thefuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are disposed in the modulesection 90. The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 is disposed inthe second fluid supply section 88 b. The power converter 22 and thecontrol device 24 are disposed in the electrical equipment section 92.

Thus, the space in the casing 26 is divided into the first fluid supplysection 88 a, the second fluid supply section 88 b, the module section90, and the electrical equipment section 92 depending on the operatingtemperature and the function. In the structure, diffusion of heat andfluid is minimized. In terms of functionality, the module section 90,the first and second fluid supply sections 88 a, 88 b, and theelectrical equipment section 92 are arranged suitably.

Further, the fluid supply section is divided into the first fluid supplysection 88 a in which the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 is disposed andthe second fluid supply section 88 b in which the oxygen-containing gassupply apparatus 18. Thus, even if fuel gas leaks from the fuel gassupply apparatus 16, the fuel gas is prevented from being inhaled intothe oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18.

Further, since the first fluid supply section 88 a forms part of theouter wall of the casing 26, cooling of the first fluid supply section88 a is facilitated, and the first fluid supply section 88 a does notbecome hot easily. Likewise, since the electrical equipment section 92forms part of the outer wall of the casing 26, cooling of the electricalequipment section 92 is facilitated, and the electrical equipmentsection 92 does not become hot easily.

Also, the second fluid supply section 88 b is disposed on the lowersurface of the module section 90. Accordingly, the second fluid supplysection 88 b forms part of the lower wall of the casing 26, and thus,cooling of the second fluid supply section 88 b is facilitated and thesecond fluid supply section 88 b does not become hot easily.

The temperatures of the electrical equipment section 92 containing thecontrol device 24 and the first and second fluid supply sections 88 a,88 b containing the pumps need to be maintained at low temperature(around 40° C.). Functions of the components in the electrical equipmentsection 92 and the first and second fluid supply sections 88 a, 88 b aremaintained, and the components are operated reliably.

In this case, the second fluid supply section 88 b forms part of thelower wall of the casing 26, and the oxygen-containing gas supplyapparatus 18 having a large volume and a large weight is disposed in thelower part of the fuel cell system 10. Thus, since the position of thecenter of gravity of the entire fuel cell system 10 can be lowered, theentire fuel cell system 10 is installed more stably.

Further, in the module section 90 having high temperature, for example,considerably thick heat insulating material 68 may be provided aroundthe fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 to suppress the heatinfluence to the outside.

Further, in the casing 26, the first fluid supply section 88 a, themodule section 90, and the electrical equipment section 92 are arrangedin the direction indicated by the arrow B. In the structure, the casing26 is elongated in the lateral direction indicated by the arrow B, andshortened in the depth direction indicated by the arrow C. The casing 26can be placed along the wall 102 suitably.

Further, since the first fluid supply section 88 a, the module section90, and the electrical equipment section 92 are arranged in the lateraldirection, components in the casing 26 can be accessed from the frontside for maintenance operation. Accordingly, the maintenance operationcan be carried out easily.

In particular, on the front side of the casing 26, the door 104 a forthe first fluid supply section 88 a, the door 104 b for the modulesection 90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b, and the door 104 cfor the electrical equipment section 92 are provided. Therefore, byopening and closing the doors 104 a, 104 b, 104 c as necessary,maintenance operation can be performed easily and reliably for each ofthe first fluid supply section 88 a, the second fluid supply section 88b, the module section 90, and the electrical equipment section 92.

Further, the casing 26 has the pair of slide rails 108 a, 108 b forallowing the casing 26 to move back and forth in the direction indicatedby the arrow C. Thus, as shown in FIG. 17, when the casing 26 is placedin the recess 102 a of the wall 102, simply by drawing the casing 26 inthe direction indicated by the arrow C1 through the slide rails 108 a,108 b, it becomes possible to open and close the doors 104 d, 104 eprovided on both side surfaces of the casing 26. Therefore, themaintenance operation for the first fluid supply section 88 a and theelectrical equipment section 92 can be carried out easily, and thecasing 26 can be placed along the wall suitably.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, the water supply apparatus 20 isprovided at the bottom of the first fluid supply section 88 a.Therefore, for example, even if water leakage occurs in the water supplyapparatus 20, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 does not get wet.

Further, the detector 78 is provided at the top of the first fluidsupply section 88 a. In the structure, even if leakage of the fuel gasfrom the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 occurs, it is possible to swiftlyand reliably detect the gas leakage by the detector 78.

Further, in the casing 26, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16 is disposedabove the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18. Theoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 has the air pump, and the fuelgas supply apparatus 16 has the fuel gas pump. In particular, in thefuel cell system 10 having a large A/F ratio, the air pump has a largevolume and a large weight in comparison with the fuel gas pump.

Therefore, by disposing the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18below the fuel gas supply apparatus 16, these components can be placedstably. Further, even if leakage of the fuel gas from the fuel gassupply apparatus 16 occurs, the fuel gas is prevented from being inhaledinto the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18.

Further, the space in the casing 26 is divided into the first fluidsupply section 88 a, the module section 90, and the electrical equipmentsection 92 by the first vertical partition plate 84 and the secondvertical partition plate 86, and is also divided into the module section90 and the second fluid supply section 88 b by the lateral partitionplate 94. The fuel cell module 12 and the combustor 14 are disposed inthe module section 90. The detector 78, the fuel gas supply apparatus 16and the water supply apparatus 20 are disposed in the first fluid supplysection 88 a. The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus 18 is disposedin the second fluid supply section 88 b. The power converter 22 and thecontrol device 24 are disposed in the electrical equipment section 92.

Thus, the space in the casing 26 is divided into the module section 90,the first fluid supply section 88 a, the second fluid supply section 88b, and the electrical equipment section 92, depending on the operatingtemperature and function. Accordingly, diffusion of heat and fluid isminimized, and in terms of functionality, the module section 90, thefirst and second fluid supply sections 88 a, 88 b, and the electricalequipment section 92 are arranged suitably.

Further, the fuel cell module 152 is particularly advantageous when itis a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module used for a high temperaturefuel cell system. However, instead of the solid oxide fuel cell module,the present invention is also suitably applicable to the other types ofhigh temperature fuel cell modules and medium temperature fuel cellmodules. For example, molten-carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), phosphoricacid fuel cells (PAFC), hydrogen membrane fuel cells (HMFC) and the likecan be adopted suitably.

Also, in the fifth embodiment, the heat exchanger 36, the evaporator 38,and the reformer 40 are disposed below the fuel cell stack 34, while thecombustor 14 is disposed above the fuel cell stack 34. Thus, heat fromthe combustor 14 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 34, and thetemperature of the fuel cell stack 34 is raised. Additionally, the heatexchanger 36, the evaporator 38, and the reformer 40 are not exposed tothe heat from the combustor 14 more than necessary, and thus,improvement in the product life and durability thereof is achieved.

In effect, the fifth embodiment can be adopted instead of the firstembodiment. However, the present invention is not limited in thisrespect. The fifth embodiment may be applicable to the second to fourthembodiments. Sixth and seventh embodiments (to be described later) maybe applicable to the second to fourth embodiments as well.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system160 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 isa plan view showing the fuel cell system 160. FIG. 20 is a front viewshowing the fuel cell system 160.

The fuel cell system 160 includes a fuel cell module 162. In the fuelcell module 162, the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 34 is ahorizontal direction indicated by an arrow B. As shown in FIG. 20, theheat exchanger 36, the evaporator 38, and the reformer 40 are providedat one end of the fuel cell stack 34 in the stacking direction(electrical equipment section 92 side), and the combustor 14 is providedat the other end in the stacking direction (first fluid supply section88 a side).

In the sixth embodiment, the same advantages as in the cases of thefirst to fifth embodiments are obtained.

Further, in particular, since the fuel cell module 162 is elongated inthe horizontal direction, the distance between the electrical equipmentsection 92 and the combustor 14 becomes large. The temperature of thecontrol device 24 in the electrical equipment section 92 needs to bemaintained at low temperature (around 40° C.). Thermal influence of thecombustor 14 on the electrical equipment section 92 including thecontrol device 24 is prevented as much as possible. The temperature ofthe electrical equipment section 92 is reliably prevented from becominghigh.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing a fuel cell system170 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22is a front view showing the fuel cell system 170.

The fuel cell system 170 includes a fuel cell module 172. In the fuelcell module 172, the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack 34 is ahorizontal direction indicated by an arrow B. The combustor 14 isprovided at one end of the fuel cell stack 34 in the stacking direction(electrical equipment section 92 side), and the heat exchanger 36, theevaporator 38, and the reformer 40 are provided at the other end in thestacking direction (first fluid supply section 88 a side).

In the seventh embodiment, since the fuel cell module 172 is elongatedin the horizontal direction, the distance between the first fluid supplysection 88 a and the combustor 14 becomes large. The first fluid supplysection 88 a contains the pumps which need to be maintained at lowtemperature. Thermal influence on the first fluid supply section 88 afrom the combustor 14 is prevented as much as possible. The temperatureof the first fluid supply section 88 a is reliably prevented frombecoming high. Further, the distance between the first fluid supplysection 88 a and the fuel cell module 172 becomes small. Thus, thepressure losses in the fluids (fuel gas, water) supplied to the fuelcell module 172 is suppressed.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected thereto by those skilled inthe art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

1. A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell module for generatingelectrical energy by electrochemical reactions of a fuel gas and anoxygen-containing gas; a combustor for raising temperature of the fuelcell module; a fuel gas supply apparatus for supplying the fuel gas tothe fuel cell module; an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus forsupplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell module; a watersupply apparatus for supplying water to the fuel cell module; a powerconverter for converting direct current electrical energy generated inthe fuel cell module to electrical energy according to requirementsspecification; a control device for controlling the amount of electricalenergy generated in the fuel cell module; and a casing containing thefuel cell module, the combustor, the fuel gas supply apparatus, theoxygen-containing gas supply apparatus, the water supply apparatus, thepower converter, and the control device, wherein the casing is dividedinto a module section where the fuel cell module and the combustor aredisposed, a first fluid supply section where the fuel gas supplyapparatus and the water supply apparatus are disposed, a second fluidsupply section where the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus isdisposed, and an electrical equipment section where the power converterand the control device are disposed; and the module section isinterposed between the first fluid supply section and the electricalequipment section, and the second fluid supply section is disposed on alower surface of the module section.
 2. A fuel cell system according toclaim 1, wherein, in the module section, the fuel cell module isdisposed above the combustor.
 3. A fuel cell system according to claim1, wherein, in the module section, the combustor is disposed above thefuel cell module.
 4. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, whereinthe casing has doors for opening and closing the module section, thefirst fluid supply section, the second fluid supply section and theelectrical equipment section.
 5. A fuel cell system according to claim1, wherein the casing has guide members for allowing the module section,the first fluid supply section, the second fluid supply section and theelectrical equipment section to move individually or together.
 6. A fuelcell system according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a movablewheel.
 7. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the watersupply apparatus is disposed at the bottom of the first fluid supplysection.
 8. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, the first fluidsupply section has a detector for detecting the fuel gas; and thedetector is disposed at the top of the first fluid supply section.
 9. Afuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel gas supplyapparatus is disposed above the oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus.10. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the casing ishorizontally divided into the module section, the first fluid supplysection, and the electrical equipment section by vertical partitionplates.
 11. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the casingis vertically divided into the module section and the second fluidsupply section by a lateral partition plate.
 12. A fuel cell systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell module is a solid oxide fuelcell module.
 13. A fuel cell system according to claim 12, wherein thesolid oxide fuel cell module comprises: a solid oxide fuel cell stackformed by stacking a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells each formed bystacking an electrolyte electrode assembly and a separator, theelectrolyte electrode assembly at least including an anode, a cathode,and a solid electrolyte interposed between the anode and the cathode; aheat exchanger for heating the oxygen-containing gas before theoxygen-containing gas is supplied to the solid oxide fuel cell stack; anevaporator for evaporating water to produce a mixed fuel of the watervapor and a raw fuel chiefly containing hydrocarbon; and a reformer forreforming the mixed fuel to produce a reformed gas.
 14. A fuel cellsystem according to claim 13, wherein the heat exchanger, theevaporator, and the reformer are disposed above the fuel cell stack. 15.A fuel cell system according to claim 13, wherein the heat exchanger,the evaporator, and the reformer are disposed below the fuel cell stack.